Managing “burnout” is a reoccurring discussion in Hilborn Charity eNews, on social media channels and at nonprofit professional development conferences. But, how do we convert learning and discussion into action? I was recently asked how I manage work/life balance in my life. I realized that finding and keeping balance is an ongoing process that reflects mindset, skill and intention.

Mindset

Let’s start with the understanding that nobody is irreplaceable and at the end of the day no gold stars are being awarded for “most hours spent in the office.”

Prioritizing mental and physical wellness alongside our work demands is a logical extension of leadership. Your team is learning through your example. When you encourage breaks between meetings for a short walk or bio break, when priority is given to team-building activities or when you have a human resources policy that includes support for mental wellness, then you are creating a culture that places value on work/life balance.

Skill

“If you want it done right, you have to do it yourself” is an outdated concept. Leaders not only learn to delegate, they also empower their team to complete the tasks they’ve been given. No micro-managing! Here’s another old saying—“many hands make light work.” If you’re feeling the burden of back-to-back meetings and too many deliverables with your name on them then it may be time to take a strategic look at sharing the load.

• Who on your team is asking for more responsibility?
• Are the activities eating up your day, aligned with the goals of the organization or is it time to re-prioritize?
• Are you recognizing your own “super powers” and those of your staff? Is there a way to use everyone’s time and skill to greater affect?

Intention

Achieving balance in your day-to-day, doesn’t happen by accident and it won’t happen in your workplace unless you spotlight it as important. Think about the unintentional “expectations,” you may be burdening staff with, when you—

• Proclaim on a Friday that you intend to work through the weekend
• Set 7:30 am meetings even though staff may have children and/or a long commute
• Send an email on Sunday asking for ABC report on Monday morning
• Rarely take vacation
• Regularly allow meetings to run through lunch
• Text and email the same request to a staff member even though the item is not truly “urgent”
• Fail to encourage professional development workshop, conferences and/or courses

A final “key” to unlocking the secrets of finding balance at work is to share best practices with others, through formal and informal channels. This article is the result of my participation in a panel discussion, hosted by The New School of Fundraising as part of their 5-week Leadership Development Program. There is always something more to learn!

Lisa MacDonald is the Editor of Hilborn Charity eNews. Her stress levels drop significantly when she is out-of-doors and near a lake. lisa@hilborn.com